Gen Z Is Buying Homes—Together

Gen Z is reshaping the real estate landscape through a surge in co-buying—partnering with friends, siblings, and family members to overcome affordability barriers. With rising home prices and a median buyer age of 56, younger generations are turning to creative, collaborative strategies to enter the market. This blog post explores the data behind the trend and what REALTORS® need to know to serve this evolving demographic.

🏡 Co-buying is no longer a fringe strategy—it’s a fast-growing movement among younger buyers. According to a 2024 JW Surety Bonds survey, nearly 15% of Americans have purchased a home with someone who is not a romantic partner¹. Among Gen Z, the appetite is even stronger: 70% say they’d consider co-buying with a friend or family member¹. The median age of homebuyers has climbed to 56 years old, pushing younger generations to find creative ways to enter the market¹. One of the most popular strategies? Teaming up with siblings. In 2025, 22% of Gen Z homeowners reported buying a home with a sibling—up from just 4% in 2023².

📊 For REALTORS®, this shift means adapting to new dynamics and buyer profiles. Multigenerational dwellings now make up 17% of home purchases, an all-time high according to the National Association of Realtors®³. Gen Z buyers are also hustling harder: 30% took on a second job to fund their down payment in 2025, compared to 24% just two years prior². And while the homeownership rate for those under 35 remains low at 36.5%, it’s inching upward despite market volatility². These buyers are determined, resourceful, and open to nontraditional paths—making them prime candidates for agents who understand co-ownership structures, legal agreements, and the nuances of platonic partnerships.

If you'd like, I can help you craft a pitch or marketing strategy that speaks directly to this demographic.

The REALTOR® association empowers members with the insights, legal tools, and training needed to confidently guide all buyers, including Gen Z co-buyers, through complex transactions.

References (3)

1Co-buying a house: Gen Z's new homeownership hack explained. https://thehill.com/business/personal-finance/5514127-co-buying-gen-z-homeownership-hack/

2Gen Z Turns to Siblings to Afford Homes | Florida Realtors. https://www.floridarealtors.org/news-media/news-articles/2025/06/gen-z-turns-siblings-afford-homes

3Gen Z Are Buying More Homes With Siblings Than Ever Before. https://www.westandmain.co/blog/gen-z-are-buying-more-homes-with-siblings-than-ever-before